Published date: 16 February 2026
Last edited date: 16 February 2026
Open opportunity - This means that the contract is currently active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to fulfil the contract.
Contract summary
Industry
Research services - 73110000
Research consultancy services - 73210000
Location of contract
CW7 1AH
Value of contract
£75,000
Procurement reference
C&W_OEP26
Published date
16 February 2026
Closing date
11 March 2026
Closing time
5pm
Contract start date
23 March 2026
Contract end date
25 September 2026
Contract type
Service contract
Procedure type
Open procedure (below threshold)
Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.
This procedure can be used for procurements below the relevant contract value threshold.
Contract is suitable for SMEs?
Yes
Contract is suitable for VCSEs?
Yes
Description
ECW, on behalf of and in coordination with Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, and Warrington Borough Councils, is seeking to appoint consultancy support to produce a Cheshire and Warrington Outline Energy Plan; providing the evidence base to support local growth ambitions and investment pipeline development, support future spatial development work in Cheshire and Warrington, and support engagement in the NESO Regional Energy Strategic Planning (RESP) process. This commission will provide a strong local evidence base for current and future demand, and build the case for investment in energy infrastructure to support both local growth ambitions and commitments in our Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Strategy to support the local energy transition and government ambitions for Clean Power by 2030.
Clean Energy is one vital component of Cheshire and Warrington growth ambitions, with unique existing (e.g. VisNet, Gas Storage Facilities) and upcoming (e.g. HyNet, HALEU) infrastructure providing substantial opportunities for us to pioneer approaches to clean power and industrial decarbonisation. This infrastructure will support wider growth opportunities, ensuring that Cheshire and Warrington is an attractive location for housing growth, business development, and reindustrialisation. To better grasp this opportunity, it is vital we:
1. Better understand our baseline energy demand.
2. Have access to light-touch scenario planning to anticipate the likely changes to generation and demand over the next 5-10 years.
3. Can clearly and consistently produce early evidence for RESP, DSO, and NGET to secure strategic reinforcement to grid.
4. Understand the integration of different energy transition vectors across the C&W landscape.
5. Can drive investment to strategically vital energy projects in Cheshire and Warrington that support wider economic development.
This commission will provide the foundation for attracting inward investment in Cheshire and Warrington. In the first instance it will ensure a clear understanding of the current and future energy infrastructure requirements, supporting the business case for major developments currently stalled by grid constraints (e.g. Mersey Ring), and position the region competitively for national funding streams in 2027-28 which will be available via DSO ED3, potential T3 re-openers, and the NESO RESP process.
This ITT sets out the information which is required in order to assess the suitability of bidders in terms of their technical approach and solutions, stakeholder engagement and relationships management, quality assurange and project management approach, and value for money to meet the requirements of ECW for the development of a Cheshire and Warrington Outline Energy Plan.
How to apply
Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.
About the buyer
Contact name
Michael Wolffe
Address
1 Floor, Wyvern House
WINSFORD
CW7 1AH
England
Telephone
07956094194
Share this notice
Closing: 11 March 2026, 5pm
All content is available under the
